This clock wasn’t one I set out to find. My wife and I were wandering through a sprawling antique shop in Almonte, Ontario—the kind of place where time itself seems to stand still. She drifted upstairs while I lingered below, each of us lost in our own quiet hunt. A few minutes later, she appeared … More The Clock That Wasn’t Complete: My Waterbury Suffolk Discovery
The American Banjo clock — often just called a banjo clock — got its name from the shape of its case, which resembles a banjo musical instrument. Although the design was patented in 1802 by Simon Willard, a renowned clockmaker from Roxbury, Massachusetts, Willard referred to his invention as the “Improved Timepiece,” not a banjo … More Echoes of an Unknown Maker: A Banjo Clock’s Journey Through Time
We live in the northern part of Nova Scotia, and a trip to the Annapolis Valley for clock hunting is always a pleasure on an early fall day. It’s one of the province’s most beautiful regions — a mix of rolling hills, orchards, small farms, and picturesque little towns that always seem to welcome you … More Echoes of Time: The Ansonia Wall Clock That Waited Fifty Years to Tick Again
Some time ago, I came across an ad on Facebook Marketplace for a clock owned by an older couple who lived about forty-five minutes from our home on the East Coast. When I first saw the photo, something about the clock caught my eye—it had character, a quiet dignity, and I had a feeling it … More The Day I Found an Ingraham Huron Balloon Clock—and the Story That Came With It
Almonte, Ontario, (Canada) is a town that practically invites you to slow down and explore, and that’s exactly what my wife and I did one afternoon in September. In fact, it is called “The Friendly Town”. We drifted from one antique shop to another, discovering all sorts of curiosities. But in one store, I found … More Discovering a Rare Waterbury Clock in Almonte, Ontario
Every so often, a clock turns up that makes you stop and think, “Well, that’s something you don’t see every day.” That was certainly the case when WT of Peterborough, Ontario, sent me pictures of an interesting find—a Hamilton Clock Co., rather ordinary-looking short-drop schoolhouse-style wall clock with an unusual twist. At first glance, the … More An Odd But Very Rare Hamilton Clock Co. Wall Clock
Having worked on a number of German and American clock movements recently, I began reflecting on the differences in design philosophy, construction methods, and overall durability between modern German movements from the past 30 to 40 years and American movements made over a century ago. These comparisons reveal not just technical contrasts but also shifting … More Built to Last? Comparing Antique and Vintage Clock Movements
The Seth Thomas Type 89 movement is a robust and well-regarded mechanical clock movement widely used in many of Seth Thomas’ mantel and shelf clocks from the early 20th century to 1938. The movement was introduced in 1900 and became one of Seth Thomas’ most popular and enduring movements. There are several variants (89A, 89C, … More On My Workbench | Type 89 Movement by Seth Thomas and a Strike Side Issue
For years, my Seth Thomas column and cornice clock rested atop an antique radio in our living room. However, after redecorating the space with hardwood flooring in place of the carpet, the radio and clock no longer suited the updated space. I did not want to relegate the clock to storage, so I opted to … More Relocating A Shelf Clock To A…Well, A shelf
As a clock repairer, there are several compelling reasons to keep the original mainsprings if they are still in good condition. Keeping the original mainsprings ensures that the clock remains as close to its original condition as possible. Collectors and enthusiasts often value clocks with original parts, as they maintain the authenticity and historical significance … More Mainsprings dilemma | To Replace or Not To Replace
The term minimal invasive intervention refers to the delicate decision-making process regarding how much work should be done to repair, restore, or conserve a clock without significantly altering its original character. It encapsulates a challenge many collectors face: balancing preservation with functionality. Some argue that any work performed on an antique clock detracts from its value, much … More The Art of Minimal Invasive Clock Preservation
Some time ago, I discussed clock repair in the old days with a horologist acquaintance who completed work on my 138-year-old E. Ingraham Huron mantel clock in my collection. He had just spoken with an 82-year-old friend who spent most of his life in clock repair, reminiscing about how different things were “back in the … More Evolution of Clock Repair: From Tinkerers to Modern Horologists
Are you searching for a unique gift for a friend or family member? Have you ever considered giving an antique or vintage clock? It is the perfect, memorable gift. Whether you’re familiar with antique and vintage clocks or completely new to the world of horology, you will need guidance in finding the right clock for … More Mechanical Clocks Guide | Tips for Selecting the Ideal Antique or Vintage Clock Gift
Determining the age of a clock can be challenging, especially since listings often don’t specify the exact year the clock was made. However, you might come across phrases like “mid-century”, antique, collectible, or vintage which can give you a general sense of its age. If the description is accurate, it provides a good starting point … More How to Determine the Age of an Antique Clock: Strategies and Tips
In the fascinating world of horology, many terms and expressions are often misunderstood or misused. A classic example is the frequent confusion between the words “mantel” and “mantle” to describe certain types of clocks. While “mantel” refers to a shelf over a fireplace, “mantle” is something you wear, like a cloak. Another pervasive myth is … More The Myth of Over-Winding: Clarifying a Common Misconception
In a previous article on servicing this clock, I mentioned the challenge I faced with the mainspring. With only minimal tools at my disposal and no spring winder, I was determined to find a solution and successfully service the mainspring. This clock was manufactured by New Haven and boasts a classic design with a twelve-inch … More How to Service an Open Mainspring Without a Spring Winder – Step-by-Step Guide
My collection of wall clocks includes several schoolhouse models and I am continually impressed by their resilience despite their age. While many of these clocks spent their lives in school rooms, some ended up in commercial establishments and offices, often neglected until they stopped working. I’ve seen clocks with bushing holes so enlarged it’s a … More Challenges of DIY Antique Clock Repair with Minimal Tools | Lessons and Limitations
Accepting the schoolhouse clock as a restoration project, I was prepared for the inevitable wear and tear it had endured over time. Despite its condition, I wondered what it would look like if the case was rejuvenated. Decisions, decisions. My collection of wall clocks includes several schoolhouse models and I am continually impressed by their … More New Haven schoolhouse clock | The case is in poor condition but what about the movement?
Mechanical clocks, especially older or larger ones, can pose various dangers during operation and maintenance. In this post, we will cover some of the risks and hazards. Mainsprings Do not underestimate the power of a clock with mainsprings. Mechanical clocks often use powerful mainsprings to drive their mechanisms. If these components are mishandled, they can … More How to Safely Operate and Maintain Mechanical Clocks: Tips and Hazards
My collection of clocks is divided between my home in Nova Scotia and our cottage in Central Canada. Part of my collection is there because I am not the type of person who abandons a hobby; I make it a part of my everyday life. Although not an even split, about 15% of the collection … More A Collection of Antique Clocks at Our Summer Refuge
Tick-Talk Tuesday is a special time when I respond to readers’ letters and comments about clock issues, challenges, and recommendations for specific clocks. When the comments and questions are especially complex, I consult with fellow clock enthusiasts within my circle to ensure I offer the most precise and helpful answers possible. LS writes: I ran … More Tick Talk Tuesday #53 – A stolen Ansonia wall clock
While many might not initially favour the idea of having a ticking mechanical clock in their bedrooms, its presence can actually offer significant benefits. Let me elaborate on why. Before I go further let me say I understand that some individuals may find the ticking sound disruptive to their sleep. The therapeutic value of having … More Having a ticking clock in a bedroom may be the answer to a restless night
Eight years ago I came across an intriguing find not far from where I reside—an antique Ansonia octagonal short drop, commonly referred to as a schoolhouse clock. While I estimate its manufacturing date to be around the turn of the 20th century, pinpointing the exact year eluded me. The movement bears the stamped number “12,” … More An ordinary schoolhouse clock that had an ordinary life in an ordinary shoolhouse continues its ordinary life
My collection boasts more than 90 clocks, with 51 on display throughout my home, 6 at our summer cottage, and 19 running non-stop. The majority of my 90 clocks are operational, although I periodically switch out some of them to maintain the 19 that run continuously. One clock remains in its place in an upper … More The homeliest clock in my collection is also one of my favorites
Who is Craftline and why do we know so little about a company that sold fine clocks that adorned the living rooms of many Canadian homes from coast to coast? In the 1970s through the 1980s and into the 1990s, having a grandfather clock in the home was a symbol of success, and many families … More A challenge to anyone who can help unearth the history of the Craftline Clock Company
Antique and Vintage Mechanical Clocks 
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